Should You Avoid Eating After a Teeth Cleaning in Beijing Expert Insights

　　Should You Avoid Eating After a Teeth Cleaning in Beijing Expert Insights

　　Dental Care After Visiting North: Should You Fast? Expert Insights

　　In recent years, many people opt to cross the border for dental cleaning, appreciating the quick and convenient service. However, a common question arises post-treatment: "Do I need to fast after dental cleaning?" Simply put, in 90% of cases, theres no need for specific fasting. Yet, adjustments should be made based on the type of cleaning received, whether fluoride was applied, and whether anesthesia was used.

　　Routine Ultrasonic Cleaning

　　- Most cases: Following a routine ultrasonic cleaning, which removes tartar and plaque without invasive gum treatment, prolonged fasting is generally unnecessary.

　　- Safe Eating Tip: Its advisable to wait 30 minutes before eating, starting with a sip of room temperature water, and observing for any bleeding or discomfort.

　　- Foods to Avoid: On that day, avoid spicy foods, hard and crunchy foods (like cornflakes or nuts), extremely hot or cold beverages, and acidic items (such as lemon water or soda) to prevent gum irritation and increased sensitivity.

　　Fluoride Application or Polishing

　　- If your dentist applied a fluoride coating, its commonly recommended to refrain from eating or drinking hot drinks for 30 minutes and avoid brushing teeth or consuming hard/sticky foods for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the coating to adhere properly.

　　- Evening Diet Tips: Opt for light, soft foods such as congee, steamed eggs, or noodles; avoid tea, coffee, red wine, and other staining drinks for at least 24 hours.

　　Deep Cleaning/Periodontal Scaling (Potential Anesthesia)

　　- After more intensive periodontal treatment, local anesthesia may be administered. Avoid chewing before the anesthesia wears off to prevent biting your tongue, cheeks, or lips. Its generally recommended not to eat for 2 hours, and start with a little room temperature water.

　　- Dietary Advice for 24 to 48 Hours Post-Treatment: Avoid spicy, hard, very hot or cold, and acidic foods. Choose soft, mild, easy-to-chew foods and chew slowly on one side. Follow the dentists instructions if advised to bite on gauze for bleeding; slight bleeding is normal, but continuous, noticeable bleeding warrants a quick follow-up.

　　Travel Tips for Returning from North

　　- Plan your travel snacks and drinks in advance, especially if you had deep cleanin

　　g on that day. Carry a bottle of water and a few soft snacks (like bananas, bread, yogurt) to avoid urgently drinking cold beverages on the train or at the border.

　　- Check with the clinic: Was fluoride applied? Was anesthesia used? Can they provide post-treatment care instructions (a photo record is also acceptable) to ensure you dont forget to ask once back in Hong Kong.

　　- Use prescribed mouthwash or medication according to instructions; do not adjust the dosage or stop using it on your own.

　　Post-Cleaning Oral Care

　　- Brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean your teeth, brushing slowly along the gum line; if recommended by your dentist, temporarily use desensitizing toothpaste. Resume normal morning and evening brushing from the next day, including flossing or interdental brushing.

　　- Rinsing: You can gently rinse with room temperature water on the day; if gums are swollen, use mild salt water (not too hot) 2 to 3 times daily. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash for the first 48 hours to prevent irritation.

　　- Lifestyle Habits: Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for 48 hours as they can impact wound healing and increase gum bleeding risk. Its best to steer clear of tea, coffee, cola, and other staining drinks for at least 24 hours.

　　- Exercise: Light activities are fine, but intense exercise can increase blood flow and prompt bleeding again. Its advisable to postpone for 24 hours.

　　When to Consult a Dentist

　　- Uncontrollable bleeding, or excessive bleeding beyond 2 hours of biting gauze

　　- Increasing pain, noticeable facial swelling, fever, or pus

　　- Anesthesia lingering beyond 6 to 8 hours, or sudden odd bite changes

　　In such cases, dont endure; promptly contact your original clinic or seek medical care in Hong Kong.

　　Conclusion

　　Post-dental treatment across the border, most people dont need strict fasting, but adjusting timing and food choices based on procedures done is crucial. Remember the three key tips: wait 30 minutes before eating (routine cleaning), avoid hard and hot brushing for 4 to 6 hours after fluoride application, and refrain from food and irritants for 2 hours following deep treatments. With gentle oral care and temporary avoidance of smoking, alcohol, spicy, and cold items, you can recover comfortably and swiftly, enhancing your dental and gum health.